Travel Guide: Cinque Terre, Italy
ABOUT:
Cinque Terre “5 Lands” is a beautiful National Park that sits on a bay on the Mediterranean coast of Italy. Just like it’s name says, there are five little lands, or towns: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Each is a quaint, colorful, small village that has its own unique charm compared to the others! They are a 2-3 minute train ride from each other along the coast. All 5 of the towns are built on a hill, many with vineyards above the towns.
During our 2-day trip we stayed in Riomaggiore, so that’s where you’ll find most of the recommendations:
GETTING THERE:
We travelled by train from Milan to Cinque Terre. There wasn’t a direct route, so we had to make a few connections which was pretty self-explanatory (pay attention to the train number and time of departure if you’re in a crunch). Make sure your tickets are validated so you don’t get a fine!
Between cities, the most efficient option is to purchase train tickets and ride the regional train between them. The train comes often and is very simple to navigate!
THINGS TO DO:
Swim in the Mediterranean! All of the towns (from what we could tell) allowed swimming at their main port in the town. Most towns didn’t have a main beach area so this meant jumping off the rocks into the sea. There were many people swimming in every town we visited, you must join the fun!
Taste the local Wine: Look out for the D.O.C. or “Denominazione Di Origine Controllata” symbol (basically meaning it’s legitimately from the area). Most, if not all, of the local restaurants and grocery stores sell the wine so it’s not hard to find. The towns are known for their beautiful vineyards and olive oils because of the unique location!
Enjoy some Pesto: This region is the home of pesto! The best we’ve ever had. We bought pre-made pesto from the local grocery stores, as well as bought pesto dishes out on the town, and all were unbelievable.
See as many towns as possible: Though you’ll likely stay in one town throughout your stay, take the train (extremely simple to navigate) to each of the towns and see the similarities and differences between them all. Each are so beautiful in their own way! Walk their streets and have a glass of wine or bite of food.
RESTAURANTS/CAFE/BAR:
Lo Scalo Lounge Bar (Riomaggiore): Fun spot on the water to grab a happy hour drink and people watch around the port!
Il Maggiore (Riomaggiore): Amazing for any outing. Great local wine, amazing charcuterie boards, fun for a morning coffee and croissant. We visited several times!
La Cantina del Macellaio (Riomaggiore): Great spot to get a local wine and their pesto dish!
Coop: The typical grocery store in Italy - find great local food and fresh fruit/veggies here!
Nessun Dorma (Manarola): Best restaurant view of the city!
Get to-go focaccia pizza in any of the towns! Eat, walk, sit, enjoy.
OUR AIRBNB:
Overall: visit as many of the towns as possible, drink some local wine, sit on the water, and eat too much pesto.
Enjoy your trip! Please let me know if you visit any of these places or found this blog helpful.
Cheers!
